New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-09-18
THE ADDITIONAL ELECTION INSPECTORS

THE ADDITIONAL ELECTION INSPECIOkS.
Republicans can well afford to watch with
compacency the outcome of the dilemma into
which the passage of the law authorizing tht
appointment of additional election inspectors
in this CITY has thrown the Democrats OF all
factions. The only interest Of the Repuoll-
cans is that the purpose of the statute should
not be fasified by the success OF efforts TO turn
over to a wing Of the Democratic party the
privileges and advantages unjustly wrestcd
from those for whose benefit they were IN
tended. The matter is submitted to Demo-
cratic Corporation Counsel who, Judging rom
his comments, would be glad to lind In the
statute some justification for an opinion favora-
bic to his political associates and supporters
But Mr. OBrien understands as well as any
one that there is none. 1t is not matter that
requires anything more than the common
sense of any intelligent layman to dispose OF.
The additional inspectors are to be given
to "anv political party or orsanlza-
.tion, that at the next preceding
municipal election shall have cast
for its candidate for any office as MANN
as $4,000 votes or upwards" 1t is claimed
that the supporters of Mr.. George last year
were not organized into party, so that they
can be recognized as identical with the
United Labor Party of 1887. They had no
distinctive name and were composed OF varl-
Gus elements. But what is it that constitutes
party, reasoning from any proper point oil
view? 1t certainly is not the name by which
i. is most commonly distinguished. The name
is in reality non-esscntial only taken or
given by way of convenient designation.
Almost every political party in America and
England has borne different names at diiier-
cnt periods or has been dubbed by its op-
ponents otherwise than by its own chosen
title. What actually determines the separate
existence of new party is the declaration oil
its princip es at variance with those oil other
political organizations. Mr.. George ran for
MAYOR of New-York in 1886 upon platform
so essentially different from those OF other
parties that it was used as the cher argu-
mcnt AGAINST his election by all opponents
lie received more than the 10000 votes re-
uuired bv the statute. The United Labor
party to-da, is an organization and the only
organization that stands as the exponent OF
the same principles enumerated IN that pat
form. Irving Hall voters from plque and
other similar motives supported Mr..
George; but to-day they disclaim adherence
to the land taxation theory that was the basis
OF the George platform last year The same
thine is true of the Socialists.
Taking, then, the dec aration OF principles
as the only reasonable and equitable method
of determining what party is intended by the
statute, the United Labor party becomes
clearly entitled to its additional inspectors.
Those who voted for Mr.. George last ycai
voted in support of the same Platform as the
United Labor party stands upon this autumn
All this is aside from the question OF the in
lcntion in the mind of the Legislators in franz
ing the statute. AS to that, no sane person
doubts that the law was passed for the pur-
pose of giving this just privilege to those who
now claim it under the name Of the United
Labor party But looking at it in technical
wav, it would be absurd if any ambiguous or
doubtful opinion of the Corporation Counsel
should make necessary the consideration OF
the subject by the courts.